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The basic differences between Eastern and Western Philosophy is that Eastern sees gaining wisdom, knowledge etc. through silence. From the time of Socrates and Plato, the gaining of knowledge and wisdom has come from discussion/talking in Western Philosophy. I want to lean towards the Western philosophy approach, but I feel that since I have been immersed in it, that it is difficult to see any other side to the question. Should people do both? Is one better than the other? Any successes?

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Seize the time,. . .live now, make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again- Star Trek TNG

"The report of my death was an exaggeration." -Mark Twain, After reading his own obituary, June 2, 1897

Eastern pholosphy was around before western, That in itself should tell you some thing. again I make this statement..

" God/ The Gods gave us two ears and one mouth to do twice as much listening as we do talking. Are you doing as they wished?"

I see nothing wrong with shutting my trap & opening my mind so that I can learn without prejudice (sp) We are to work on our spiritual growth. all confrontation brings us is negative energy......why bother with negative when YOU can give positive in return.

God/ The Gods gave us two ears and one mouth to do twice as much listening as we do talking.

Actually we were given two ears so that we could hear music in stereo!! Also, with only one, glasses would fall off , the earring industry would only be half as prosperous and Prince Charles' head would be only 2/3's as wide

Actually we were given two ears so that we could hear music in stereo!! Also, with only one, glasses would fall off , the earring industry would only be half as prosperous and Prince Charles' head would be only 2/3's as wide

Ha ha ha ha ha I love ittoo funny

I think I agree a little bit with everyone.. not to ride the fence... I personally fallow the listen closely for a time then give bits of input followed by more close listening to peoples responses.

My dad jokingly used to say... if you tell everything to you know to someone then they will be twice as smart as you... (having known what they already know and now what you know also). Take this and apply it as you wish.

If we fail to listen, we will fail to understandIf we fail to speak, we will not be understoodIf we equally listen and speakThen we will both understand and be understood

Even Jesus instructed us to go into the closet to pray. This sounds to me very much in line with the Eastern method. Although I have learned much from dialogue with others, I have also learned much from getting in touch with myself through silence and meditation.

Makes a lot of sense High Plains Drifter. I think when we do not take a proper amount of time to sit in silence, to be alone, we do not have the a good foundation on which to live. We lose sight of ourselves. We need a bit of introspection and self realization to reach self actualization. Take a minute everyday to sit silently and breath and to realize the magnificance of air moving in and out of the body giving you life.